Why wouldn’t we? TasCOSS calls on ministers to end the politicisation of child protection

Today, TasCOSS has written to the Premier, Minister Petrusma, the Opposition Leader, Shadow Minister Willie and Cassy O’Connor imploring them to take action to end the politicisation of child protection and increase the powers of the Children’s Commissioner once and for all.

TasCOSS CEO Kym Goodes said: Why wouldn’t we want to ensure that the most vulnerable children in Tasmania have the greatest level of advocacy and the strongest voice possible to protect their interests?

“We’ve seen ten years of debate around what powers the Commissioner for Children should have and, across two governments and countless Ministers this has been an issue.

“In the wake of Mark Morrissey’s resignation, we must ask ourselves why are we not legislating to ensure the strongest powers possible to protect Tasmanian children.

“We want a Commission that is not constrained by politics.

“We want a Commission that can independently investigate cases and report to parliament in line with the powers of other statutory officers.

“We want a Commission that can hold the government of the day accountable and the reform agendas relating to child protection and can make frank and fearless recommendations.

“I call on all elected members of Parliament to commit to the children of Tasmania by further increasing the powers of Commissioner for Children be the voice for children and young people.

“It is time to rise above politics and come together to ensure that the protection of our children and young people is paramount.”